On 30 May 2025, the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF) and the OCEANS Network co-organised a local promotional event at the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FST), Cadi Ayyad University, in Marrakech, Morocco. The aim was to raise awareness about international mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, Intra-Africa, and Erasmus Mundus, and to provide students with first-hand experiences from alumni and experts.

The conference hall at FST welcomed around 120 enthusiastic students and early career professionals eager to explore academic and professional opportunities abroad. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Soumaya Nabih (ASAF), followed by institutional greetings from Prof. Said Rekrak, Dean of FST. The official opening speech was delivered by Nada Joumar, ASAF Board Member, on behalf of both ASAF and OCEANS.

Insightful Discussions and Expert Panels

The morning continued with Panel A: “Exploring International Opportunities”, featuring representatives from key institutions:

• Ms Nihale El Azzouzi from the EU Delegation in Morocco
• Ms Chaima Bourguiba from the Erasmus+ Morocco Office
• Ms Sarra Daldoul from Campus France, Morocco
• Ms Aya Talha, Erasmus Mundus alumna

Each speaker shared valuable insights on how students can benefit from different European and African mobility schemes. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where attendees engaged directly with the experts.

Celebrating Alumni Experiences

Panel B shifted focus to success stories and testimonials. Nada Joumar and Dr Yassine Zarouk presented ASAF and OCEANS respectively, followed by moving testimonials from Dr Soumaya Nabih and Nada Joumar who shared their transformative exchange journey.

Interactive Learning and Youth Reflections

Post-lunch, participants engaged in an interactive workshop titled “The Path to Winning a Scholarship – Finding, Preparing and Applying”. The session was co-facilitated by ASAF members Mr Mohammed Mouad Mliyeh and the co-ambassador of Morocco Mr Amine Ennajah, offering practical advice and personalised guidance.

The event closed with an open session titled “Youth Voices”, where students reflected on what they had learned and how they plan to pursue international opportunities. Final remarks were given by Dr Yassine Zarouk, OCEANS Board Member, who applauded the active participation and positive energy of all involved.

With over 120 participants, a diverse speaker lineup, and interactive exchanges, the event successfully bridged the gap between students and the world of global academic mobility. It was a clear demonstration of ASAF and OCEANS' joint commitment to empowering African youth and fostering inclusive internationalisation.

 

Morocco, Marrakech, 28 June 2025
Nada Joumar (nada.joumar@asaf.africa)
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team